Beverage dispensing system

Claim 1

A beverage dispensing system comprising, in combination: A. a decorative enclosure structure in the form of a cask, 1. means supporting said enclosure structure in a substantially horizontal plane with the cask ends thereof in substantially vertical planes, 2. one said cask end having an aperture therein, and 3. means forming a polygonal bore within said enclosure structure, a. said cask being formed of a foamed polymeric material which provides thermal insulation for said bore, B. a disposable beverage container removably mounted within said enclosure structure in said bore, said container comprising 1. a substantially rigid box of polygonal shape closely matching said bore in shape and size so as to be secured against rotation when mounted therein and thermally insulated by the surrounding foamed polymeric material to maintain the temperature of the beverage over a substantial period of time, said box being suitable for shelf display and having means forming an opening adjacent one end thereof, 2. a flexible beverage bag of plastic sheet packaged and carried within said box and having an integral tap communicating with the interior of said bag, a. said tap being extendable through the opening in said box and the aperture in said cask for dispensing of the beverage therefrom, and b. means for maintaining said tap in such an extended position comprising an L-shaped reinforcing collar having a bifurcated end removably secured about said tap and abutting the end of said box over said opening to prevent said tap from being accidentally pushed back through said opening once it is extended.